Expectations were extremely high, too, for his latest album, the 2013 release Based on a True Story, and he didn’t disappoint. In discussing the album, producer Scott Hendricks told Radio.com that “we honestly set out to make what we wanted to be the album of the year, and we set our standards high on the songs.”

Warner Music Nashville President and CEO John Esposito echoed those sentiments and told Radio.com that their hard work paid off. “It is damn near a greatest hits album in itself. When we put out the next greatest hits record, we’re going to be pulling at least four if not five or more [songs]” from the record.

Besides putting out an instant country classic, Shelton headlined his wild (and wildly successful) Ten Times Crazier Tour last year, and he continued his high-profile TV gig. And in a move that showcased his compassionate side, last summer he organized and hosted the Healing In The Heartland telethon, which raised $6 million for those affected by May’s devastating tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.

Hear about these 2013 highlights and more in the above video, which showcases Shelton’s amazing year and celebrates his place as one of this year’s five ACM Entertainer of the Year nominees.

The 49th ACM Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8pm ET on CBS.